Hay used the same platform that got her into trouble to give her apology on Sunday.

"Several years ago, I had many personal struggles and found myself in a place that is not representative of who I am as a person," she tweeted. "I admit that I have used language publicly in the past which I am not proud of and that there is no excuse for.

"Through hard work, education and thanks in large part to the sisterhood that I have come to know through pageants, I am proud to say that I am today a better person. I am honored to hold this title and I will use this platform to promote the values of the Miss Universe Organization, and my own, that recognize the confidence, beauty and perseverance of all women."

"As Karlie stated, she was in a different place in her life and made a serious mistake she regrets and for which she sincerely apologizes," the statement read. "The language Karlie Hay used is unacceptable at any age and in no way reflects the values of the Miss Universe Organization."

Through hard work, education and thanks in large part to the sisterhood that I have come to know through pageants, I am proud to say that...